Local kid in DeRozan going up against an emerging star in Gordon, who has twice missed extended games because of a sore right wrist. Gordon never played in Toronto when teams met, a game the Raptors would win 98-93. When healthy and scoring, Gordon spreads the floor and gives Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman plenty of room to operate in the paint. In his first game back following a two-week injury absence, Gordon made six three-pointers against the Cavs en route to a 29-point night. Gordon leads the Clippers in scoring (23.7) and will be a load for DeRozan, who will likely crowd Gordon and force him to put the ball on the floor. As always, the key for DeRozan is to attack the rim.

Scouting Report

Another lottery awaits the Clippers, who are trying to build around Griffin. So much of what the Clippers do in the future will be based on finances. This franchise has never been willing to commit money, a reputation that must end if the Clips are truly intent on keeping Griffin beyond his rookie-mandated contract. In one of those odd wrinkles to the schedule, the Clippers will be playing the back end of a back to back on their home court. Late Friday night, they were the away team against the Lakers at Staples Center.

Did You Know

Kaman has never lived in Germany, does not speak the language German and his connection to the country is a great grandparent who emigrated to America a century ago. And yet he’s able to play for the German national team at a time when Matt Bonner, who married a Toronto girl, continues to get caught up in Canada’s red tape. Kaman conceded he’d gladly suit up for German at the upcoming Euro championships in Lithuania if Dirk Nowitzki commits. “It’s all on him,” Kaman. For his part, Nowitzki maintains he’ll wait and see how his Mavs do in the playoffs, figure out what’s up with the NBA’s CBA and discuss matters with Mavs owner Mark Cuban.